Rak Marak (Only Soup) for warmth and after fasting

I grew up in Miami and Los Angeles, so cold weather was something from my childhood that I do not remember. I love travel, so I have experienced all types of weather. Rain is something that Jewish people pray for in the fall and winter months. Once the rains finally start, all you hear all around you is, Baruch Hashem, Thank God!

I heard some good advice from a New Yorker about staying warm. They said all you need is a good coat. So with my coat, boots, scarf and gloves, I am happy to be running my errands, walking with my umbrella and hopping from bus to bus. I honestly love not having a car, Since I have been driving for almost 50 years, I do not miss the traffic, honking and having to stay alert on the road. On the bus to work, I am writing my blog, checking in with my husband and kids, because I am free to think, look outside at my beautiful homeland, or even sleep!

Today is a fast day commemorating the siege of Jerusalem in Babylonian times. They did not destroy it or breach the walls, but it was the beginning of the destruction. We fast from sunrise until sunset, and at the end of days the fast days will be celebrations of everything the Jewish people have overcome to bring God, holiness and heaven down to earth.

https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/3170662/jewish/What-Is-Asarah-BTevet-Tevet-10.htm

We spent a wonderful Shabbat with extended family in Peduel. It was peaceful, delicious and so good for the soul. The rain was so intense, and it felt good to be cozy inside playing with all the kids, especially the cutest one year old in the world. Motzei Shabbat as we headed back to Jerusalem, my son was saying that it felt like hurricane force winds. It took us forever to get home, and we were frozen. We were not prepared for the downpour, when we left on Friday morning, it was sunny and warm. My sister in law said that the alternating rain and sunny days are good for the land.

Yesterday the rain was pouring all day and the wind was so strong, I saw broken umbrellas inside the garbage cans on the street. At seven in the morning, I went to my favorite Chassidut class at a Georgian cafe that has homemade pastries and coffee. I was recharged for the rest of the day, and my main mission was to get carrots for my chicken soup. The shuk was not packed, but still busy with tourists and people shopping for necessities. As I found my humongous carrots, the shopkeeper said רק מרק, which means, you only need soup! The best part is that soup will be waiting for me as I break my fast when I get home from work tonight.

Soup is a comfort food, and just drinking the broth is so nurturing. What do you do to take care of yourself? I take self care very seriously, and know what I need. Since marriage and children, I wake up ridiculously early, so I put myself to bed by 10pm. Sleep is my medicine, that is how I recharge, stay young and full of energy. I also love food, love people making me food, and love to enjoy food with others.

I also really appreciate when thought and care is felt and seen, by people and by businesses. Yesterday I had a meeting at a hotel nearby, and when I left and was almost home, I realized I forgot my gloves. I decided that before going to work this morning, since it was close by, I was going to go to the hotel and see if there was a lost and found. Can you believe it? They were in the exact lounge that I was sitting in yesterday, put nicely on the table next to the couch. How thoughtful! Somebody probably found them on the couch, and realized the person would retrace their steps. Putting deep thought into what will make life and experiences easier for the people around us is impressive and beautiful.

I always say Thank You Hashem for the revealed miracles that I see clearly in every moment.